Supported Shoulder Flexion | Assisted stretch in 3D
Supported Shoulder Flexion: supine, shoulder flexion and latissimus dorsi. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.
Position and focus
Supine · Shoulder flexion and latissimus dorsi
An assisted stretch for the shoulder flexion and latissimus dorsi, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Starting position
The client lies supine with the left arm pointing towards the ceiling. The trainer stands on the left side and supports the forearm and the upper arm. The thumb faces up.
Movement phases
1. Support the arm
Keep the elbow straight and take the weight of the arm.
2. Move the arm overhead
Slowly move the arm overhead.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch from the armpit to the back and any arching of the lower back.
4. Return the arm
Keep supporting the arm as you return it towards the ceiling.
What the trainer checks
Check that the arm is not only appearing to lower because the lower back is arching.
Instructor information
Trainer position
Stand on the client's left (the side shown in the 3D) with your feet apart front to back, at a height that suits the table. Move by shifting your body weight rather than holding with the arms alone.
Contact and support
Support the forearm (near the wrist) and the upper arm (near the elbow) with the palms.
Stabilisation
Ask the client to breathe while keeping the ribs down.
Compensation
Arching of the lower back, shrugging of the shoulder, bending of the elbow.
Easier option
Reduce the range and let the weight of the leg or arm rest on a cushion or the table. Go back to checking a pain-free starting position.
Cues and consent
Tell the client where you will touch and which way you will move, and say, 'Tell me straight away if you feel any pain or discomfort.' Confirm consent before touching and before moving.
Stop criteria
Return to the starting position immediately if the client reports sharp pain, numbness, weakness, a pinching feeling in the joint, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety, or asks to stop.
Caution
Work within your qualifications, contract and studio procedures, and check medical history, medication and any pain before starting. This is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone.
These English notes describe a prototype model. Stretch and foam roller lessons have not yet been reviewed by the supervising instructors. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.
References and scope
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS — Stretching Exercises with Assistance ↗
For helpers: where to support and how to move the shoulder (raising and opening), elbow and wrist, double knee hug, knee rolls, inner thigh, front of the hip lying on the side, front and back of the thigh, and ankle.
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